Anyone using Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact or Pirelli Angel GT?

[duganc1717]

Tires were getting near the wear bars before I left for Lake Placid last weekend and came home and noticed this.



Found some deals on the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 and the Pirelli Angel GT, wondering if anyone has any actual experience with them?
Also does anyone think the Fz1 qualifies for using the "GT" spec tires various manufactures sell now for heavier sport touring bikes?

[OneCheekRider]

I only have experience with the BT023's (great tire) but people on the FZ forums rave about the Z8's and Angels. IMO, they're all great tires and you cant really go wrong with any one of them.

No, I do not think an FZ1 qualifies for GT spec tires.

[soofle616]

I had angel GT's on my futura before I sold it and the Mrs. has them on her ninja 650. Great tire. you won't be disappointed with it.

[Falko]

I wouldn't exactly say a bike "Qualifies" for the GT tire, that would be like saying having to run a GT tire is a good thing. The GT series are usually for heavier bikes, like the FJR and the ST. I ran the 023GT on my FJR and they were a good tire for that application. So short answer, your FZ1 definitely does not need the GT spec tire, run the standard and you'll be fine. The only bad thing I've heard about the Angels is they get slippy toward the end of their mileage.
For what it is worth, I run the standard BT023 on the MG and they seem to be a good tire. That bike is heavier and not nearly as blessed with power as your FZ1, so your mileage may vary (no pun intended, well, maybe a little). Oh, the 023 is a beast to mount, very hard side walls.

[SRTie4k]

Both my coworkers have Angel GT's on their SV650's, and I have the Angel ST on my TL1000S. They're both pretty sticky tires, and my ST's will easily go 6-8k miles. We ripped through T Road 3 times and the grip was excellent.

I have noticed, however, that they're burning through Angel GT's in about 4000 miles on their bikes. I'm not sure if that's by design, or if they're just flogging them, but what I do know is I'm kind of worried about my ST wearing out, since the ST is no longer available and I'll have to switch to the GT.

[JohnManch]

I put a pair of Z8 M/O spec on my Dorsoduro after the oem dunlops were toast after 5k miles. I did not really like them anyway - poor in the wet and a bit squirrelly at speed leaned over. I also wanted something that would take some miles without excessive wear.

5k miles later they still look good. A little center flat spot (just a little). I found the profile very good for me (rather rounded not triangular - the dorsoduro has no trouble turning in) and seems like riding a rail on turns. I ride sanely on the street and I've never felt out of grip. I've scrubbed the elephants nose off but the body is intact (I.e. about 10mm chicken strips). I feel quite secure in the wet too.

Nothing wrong with them to me.

[01xj]

I had a set of Angel GT's on my street triple. I picked up a nail in the rear last week so I ended up replacing them earlier than expected. Had about 4k miles on them and had a decent amount of life left in them. I'd say another 1k miles. I did notice that the front tire was cupping when I picked up my new wheels and tires. Not sure if it was from suspension settings, the tires or a combination of both.

[MHenry600]

I have noticed, however, that they're burning through Angel GT's in about 4000 miles on their bikes. I'm not sure if that's by design, or if they're just flogging them, but what I do know is I'm kind of worried about my ST wearing out, since the ST is no longer available and I'll have to switch to the GT.

Depending on size, you can still find the ST's around online. I've been looking myself as I'm going to need a new rear pretty soon.


Just to make sure it's clear to the OP, one thing that's confusing with the new Angel GT tires is the name. The "GT" is just the name for the new series of tire. Where the "GT" is used a lot for heavier bikes, in this case it's just the name of the tire. The Angel GT "A-spec" is the one for heavy bikes, but the plain Angel GT is a normal weight sport touring tire.